Welcome to our recurring post, 3D Interactive Tech Talk, highlighting how interactive technology is being used right now and where it’s headed.
How VR Is Transforming Energy Sector Training
If the U.S. wants to meet the goal of 20 percent of energy coming from wind by 2030, they’re going to need a solid workforce in the wind industry. Thanks to the National Science Foundation and the Purdue University Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), virtual reality will be part of training wind turbine teams. The CIVS lab has been developing a 3D interactive VR simulation to more effectively troubleshoot and work safely around wind turbines.
“The simulators will provide community college students with an enhanced learning experience using engaging, dynamic content and realistic simulations that will prepare them to enter the wind energy workforce,” CVIS director Chenn Zhou said. Purdue agrees the days of learning with a pen and pencil are gone. Learning by doing is more accurate, effective, and cost efficient.
Google Mapping the Interior World in 3D
Google has changed how we search the Web, and now with their Tango project they want to change the way virtual reality is sourced. When Tango is loaded on an Android device it “sucks in images and depth information to re-create the environment on the screen and locates itself within that new digital realm.” This technology can be used to map interior spaces – adding to Google’s exterior maps of the world – and more. Potential applications include guiding shoppers to the exact shelf containing sale items and using 3D animations for attractions like museums.
While AR/VR is revolutionizing training methods in manufacturing, aerospace and government fields, if Google has their way Tango will democratize the creation of AR/VR applications – making them more accessible to all.
And check out our interactive training applications to see some of the many ways businesses are benefiting from this technology.
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